Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1887-06-18

young Megilp's Academy picturef"
Zerubbabel shook his head. but leant for
ward eagerly, with his cunning eyes fixed on
Mr.. Lewis flushed countenance.
splendid thing-safe to make a sensation.
mean to get hold of it cheap, if can; and
as he's only young fellow, and apparently
hard up, the chances are shall"
Think the picture really worth having?"
said Zerubbabel, with depreciatory shrug.
mot doubt about it. You see, it's an at
tractive subject, and one that is sure to take
the public. They don't like your grand his
torical pictures. They prefer something
pretty and pastoral, and that sort of thing.
Bet you what you like that Megilp's pic
ture'll be hung on the line. At all events,
I'm going round to his studio in a few days
to make him an offer for it."
Mr.. Zerubbabel smiled, and rubbed his
hands complacently. He had learnt some.
thing that might be useful to him.
He didn't get rid of Mr.. Levi until late in
the afternoon, consequently 1t was nearly
seven o'clock before he emerged from his
shop and stopped passing bus.
In less than half an hour the bric-a-brac
dealer was set down close to the Megilps'
door. The servant who answered the bell
told him that Mr.. Megilp was dining outthat
evening, and asked if he would see her mis-
tress.
Thinking lady would be an easier Gus
toner to deal with, Mr.. Zerubbabel said that
he would like to speak to Mrs. Megilp for a
few minutes. Accordingly he was ushered
into the dining-room, where the lady shortly
Joined him.
you have called to see my husband
about the-the bill of sale" the little woman
began in a frightened tone.
"Well, yes ma'am, in a way have; but
should like TO see the picture he offered me
this morning."
1.-THE Academy picture2" suggested Mrs.
Megilp, her face Frightening. 81 am so
sorry; but my husband generally locks up
his studio when he goes out. Can't you call
another day and see it2'
"Oh, yes" answered Mr.. Zerubbabel, amia-
bly,; "but as Pm here, 1 may as well tell
you of the offer am willing to make"
Mrs. Megilp's pretty face beamed with JOY
at the idea of arranging matters with the
money-lender. 1t would be such delight
full surprise for Michael Angelo when he
came home to find that that tiresome bust
ness of the bill of sale had been brought to
satisfactory conclusion during his absence.
"Mr. Megilp wants to get back his bill of
sale on this furniture ?" began Mr.. Zerub-
babel, with a circular sweep of the hands to-
ward the contents of the room.
Yves" breathed poor Madge with
shiver, for she thought that the odious
man looked as if he would like
to carry off her household goods there and
10 hi ~ of ar
lace, and she grew quite pale.
"Well, of course, my expenses in connec-
ton with his bill have been heavy-very
heavy and my loss, if let it be paid off at
once will be great-very great-in fact, GlOO
will barely put me straight" said Mr.. Ze-
rubbabel, in business-like tone.
That, added to the ECO Mr.. Megilp
borrowed of me last year, makes
R30O. Now, I'll make him this offer; I'll give
him check for EOS, and send HIM back the
bill Of sale, in consideration of his Academy
picture-the big one, mind, I mean-becom-
ing my property"
1.-THE picture has been valued at ESQ.," put
in Mrs. Megilp timidly.
ooh, has it? BY you and Mr.. Megilp,
suppose! Well, l amt going to give that.
w hoo hotc 10 do Soou 90 ~@"-o GA
uncommonly high price, let me tell you,
ma'am, for picture by an unknown artist"
every one says that my husband is one
of the rising artists of the day." exclaimed
Mrs. Megilp, firing up
"Oh, they all are" retorted Mr.. Zerubba-
bel, rising. "Still, you had better think
over my offer, and tell Mr.. Megilp what l
have said. I'll call round in day or two to
see the picture, when you can let me have
definite answer"
| And Mr.. Zerubbabel took up his hat and
| bowed and grinned himself out leaving the
| indignant little woman to think over matters
in general, and the matter of the bill of sale
in particular.
When Michael Angelo came in she told
him of the mans visit and the proposition
he had made.
HE has changed his mind pretty quickly"
remarked Megilp. This morning he would
have nothing to say to my proposal Be-
sides, EOS is very little to get in hard cash.
so 1 shall certainly wait for a few days be-
fore decide. Carper promised to speak a
good word for me to dealer he knows"
A day or two afterward Mr.. ADRIAN
Levi presented himself at Megilp's
studio, and found the artist putting a
few final touches to "Chloe Counting Her
Chickens" He surveyed the picture atten-
lively for some minutes, and then, turning
to Michael Angelo. he blandly offered him
e10O for it.
why, I've had the offer of as good as
9325 for it already" exclaimed the artist,
Indignantly.
Mr.. Levi pricked up his ears.
"Hullo! somebody has got the start of
me-" he thought, ruefully. "Who the deuce
can it be?"
well, don't mind giving you ESQ for
it-and, perhaps, you've something else it
may suit me to buy" he said, with a glance
round the studio. whats thisP" he added,
going up to large picture, very handsomely
framed, but turned with its face to the wall.
IA picture l sent in to Burlington
House last year, but it wasn't accepted"
stammered Michael Angelo.
"Humph! l don't wonder. What's the
name of it?" went on the dealer, reading the
legend inscribed on the frame, Margaret
Mending Her Stockings" "No, that won't
suit me; it's big, ugly thing, and shock
ingly raw. You've done better work
since"
"All of which is Sold" interrupted Me
Clip, in a huffed tone, "except this little
lhing-'Sour Grapes
| "But again the dealer shook his head and